Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
KENZIE
When I arrive home, I let Sherlock out and feed him.
“How are you?” I ask.
“Ruff.” He sits at my feet and continues to talk.
“Fine. I'll take you for a walk.”
I dress him for the weather. I put him in an adorable coat that he loves. He wags his tail and jumps numerous times when I reach for his collar.
“You're a nut!” I tease as I scratch behind his ears.
We take a brisk walk to the park, and I catch myself scanning the horizon for Mikael. Who is Chelsey? I'll have to Google him and see if the local media has any news of a new love interest for the hockey star. I've searched for him and know he's developing a fashion line for men. I have snapshots of him saved to my phone, walking to planes dressed in colorful suits. He's become my celebrity crush.
Chelsey seems nice. What is their deal? Is it serious?
I don't know how I can pretend I don't have feelings for him when I'm head over heels in love with him. I'm jealous when I see him with other women, and I have no right to feel that way.
I daydream about him, and it's not healthy. I can't find someone new if I'm fixated on him. He's my unrequited love.
My phone beeps.
Mikael: I've missed you.
How am I supposed to respond to that?
Me: We're at the park.
Mikael: I'll be there in ten.
Didn't he say he had practice?
“Sherlock, it's your lucky day,” I kneel before him. I pet him and adjust his black coat, which is black with bright green hockey pucks on it. It even has fur-trimmed fleece around the edges and a hoodie.
“Mikael is coming to see you.” Sherlock licks my cheek and pants.
I dress and walk to the lake, which I assume is the meeting spot.
I watch the horizon, and my heart pitter-patters when I see him. Sherlock tugs on the leash. I let him gallop to him, being mindful to hold the leash tight.
“Well, hello, Kenzie and Sherlock!” Mikael greets us but bends to snuggle Sherlock.
“He loves you,” I state as if he needed the narrative.
“How are you, Kenzie?” His blue eyes are bright, and his smile warms me. I love how he says my name. It’s like an affectionate caress and probably the closest thing to intimacy I’ll ever receive from him.
“Great,” I replied when I wanted to say, “Waiting for you to kiss me.” Instead, I inquired about him and his day.
“Fine,” he replies as he stands. “You were slammed today.”
I notice he's making this a polite conversation.
“It's our mid-morning rush,” I shrug as if it's nothing.
“I wanted to call you, but I never know if you're busy,” he continues.
“Chelsey seems nice.” I can't diss every woman he sees, can I?
“I've known her for a few years. It seemed like the right time to see if we're compatible.”
We begin to walk. It hurts that he’s known her longer than he’s known me. They have a history. “I'm shocked you didn't bring your hockey gear.” I have to change the subject because picturing him with her is painful.
“That was yesterday.”
“I thought you were busy this afternoon,” I reply.
“If I wasn’t busy, Chelsey would want to spend every minute with me so I fibbed.“
“Isn't that what infatuation is? I mean, I'm guessing.” I know I’d love to spend more time with Mikael.
“I suppose but I find it suffocating at times. Besides, I wanted to see you.”
This is odd. Why does he want to hang out with a friend when he has a new fling?
“You two are dating, aren't you?”
“Yes, but it's new. Nothing to report. Why?”
“Just a friendly curiosity.”
“Chelsey is nice. Her father is a huge CEO of a media company. She works for a sports company. She's in PR.”
“So, she's local?”
“Yes. By the way, there is a pond hockey tournament this weekend, and I wanted to know if you would like to go.”
“I'm new to the sport, but I'm in.”
“Great. I'll text you the details.”
“Won't Chelsey want to go with you?”
He chuckles. “I doubt she'll want to sit around a burn bin to stay warm for three hours.”
“She's used to heated box seats?”
“Yes. She has come to expect that.”
“What did you mean when you said you get to be yourself with me?”
He's quiet. Did I step on a landmine?
“Women expect the box seats and the media attention. They also expect me to buy whatever their heart desires. I like to date women someone knows because I know what to expect. It’s a level playing field, and it’s comfortable for me. It’s what I know.”
“That doesn't make sense. You continue to date the same type of women who all have the same expectations. You'll never get off the hamster wheel if you don't branch out. The problem isn't the women. It's the type of woman you are dating, and expecting a different outcome.”
“Finn said something along those lines, too.”
“I think I like Finn,” I happily reply. Mikael's forehead furrows, deep in thought.
It's not rocket science!
We walk and talk before he hugs me and promises to text me the game details.